Agriculture – the growth and farming of food, flowers & fiber – is what originally brought San Diegans together for the annual fair. By holding competitions to see who grew the sweetest citrus, who baked the tastiest pie, and who had the fastest horse, the San Diego County Fair was born in 1880.

Just after the turn of the century, in an effort to promote and encourage local farming and industry, the California legislature formally organized agricultural associations throughout the state, and the 22nd District Agricultural Association (22nd DAA) was established in San Diego.

In 1936, the 22nd DAA purchased the property at the mouth of the San Dieguito River, now known as the Del Mar Fairgrounds, to host the annual county fair. That first year, more than 50,000 guests attended the San Diego County Fair’s 10-day event. One year later the Del Mar Turf Club began leasing the racetrack for its annual live throughbred horse race meet, with the famous blue-eyed crooner Bing Crosby welcoming guests through the turnstiles.

Events hosted at the Fairgrounds fall into two categories:
1.) Events produced by the 22nd DAA, the largest being the annual San Diego County Fair.
2.) Events and activities produced by third-party promoters, which range from concerts and festivals, trade shows and consumer expos, equestrian competitions and animal shows, sporting events, fundraisers and personal celebrations. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is the largest tenant of the 22nd DAA, leasing on-site office space and operating two seasons of live thoroughbred horse racing.

OUR MISSION
To manage and promote a world-class, multi-use, public assembly facility with an emphasis on agriculture, education, entertainment and recreation in a fiscally sound and environmentally conscientious manner for the benefit of all.

Agriculture & Farming

Del Mar Fairgrounds

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